President Tinubu
Tinubu lauds Nigerian Navy at 70th anniversary international fleet review, commissions three new vesssels
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of dedication and sacrifice in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic interests.
The statement was made on Monday at the 2026 International Fleet Review, held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos, as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, according to a release by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
During the event, President Tinubu also commissioned three naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
As the reviewing officer, he praised the Navy’s successes in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He specifically highlighted the Navy’s sustained efforts against oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that these operations have boosted oil production, increased national revenue, and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country. The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable,” Tinubu said. “Moreover, with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.”
The President thanked friendly nations and foreign navies for attending the review, calling the event a testament to growing international cooperation for maritime security.
He noted that the Navy has evolved into a formidable force whose successes have enhanced security in Nigeria’s territorial waters and contributed to regional and global maritime stability.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space,” Tinubu stated.
He added that through surveillance systems, rapid response, and robust enforcement, the Navy has eradicated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly curbed crude oil theft. “Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan, but a proven reality.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities through continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, along with officers, ratings, veterans, and families, urging them to remain steadfast in their duty and patriotism.
In response, Vice Admiral Abbas stated that the Navy’s recent successes were made possible by strategic investments, policy support, and strong presidential leadership.
He noted that modern platforms, enhanced surveillance, and sustained inter-agency collaboration have strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, enabling the Navy to intensify efforts against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of all personnel to the Constitution and the President, pledging continued vigilance in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State Governor and Senate Committee on Navy Chairman Senator Gbenga Daniel (representing the Senate President); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kwara State Governor and Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; House Committee on Navy Chairman Yusuf Gagdi; Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, and Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu. Naval chiefs from Gulf of Guinea countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea—as well as delegations from European nations and former service chiefs also attended.
About The Author
